Multi-functional reconfigurable pet enrichment system

ABSTRACT

A method of using a reconfigurable pet enrichment system to help pets fulfill their natural behaviors is provided. The system can be arranged to facilitate an environment that helps stimulate, entertain, and exercise a pet, and also provides a defensible space for napping, resting, or sleeping. The system can be constructed from two pieces of pliable material: a base component and a top-covering component attached to the base component by means of semi-permanent fasteners to create a variety of forms such as ripples, nooks and tunnels. The top component can contain several openings of different sizes. Openings appeal to a pet&#39;s predatory nature, as the openings provide a source of stimulation and interaction. The system may also be configured with a plurality of members attached via semi-permanent fasteners.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

The present patent document is a continuation of, and claims the benefitof, co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/367,810 filed Mar. 28,2019 and titled “Multi-Functional Reconfigurable Pet Enrichment System,”which itself claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/003,702 filed Jun. 8, 2018 and titled “Multi-FunctionalReconfigurable Pet Enrichment System,” which itself claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/083,794 filed Mar. 29, 2016 andtitled “Multi-Functional Reconfigurable Pet Enrichment System,” whichitself claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.62/141,369, filed Apr. 1, 2015, and titled “Ripple Rug,” the disclosuresof which are incorporated herein by reference.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a reconfigurable petenrichment system designed to accommodate a domestic cat or other pets.The system of the present invention is characterized by the system'sability to be reshaped, reconfigured, and altered in form, therebyserving a plurality of different functions, retaining pet interestthrough continued variation, and helping to prevent potentiallydestructive behaviors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The current pet market provides a range of activity mats, scratchingobjects, beds, and toys that fulfill different needs; however, many fail(i) to address multiple functions in one toy or (ii) to succeed incontinuing to peak a pet's interest through new configurations, longafter the initial introduction.

Pet owners must seek creative ways in which to find compelling solutionsto keep their pets from becoming bored or exhibiting compulsivebehaviors.

For example, felines and other similar sized animals requirestimulation, exercise, entertainment, a predatory play space, anenvironment allowing positive human interaction, and a secure, safespace in which to rest and recover.

Due to the inquisitive nature and genetically programmed instinct forsurvival, cats, in particular, become disillusioned with toys and playareas once familiar, often abandoning them once their curiosity has beensatisfied or their prey toy has been conquered.

A single toy that encompasses an ever-changing environment, whichsatisfies the need to hunt and interact, and which provides safety,comfort, and continued interest through change, can greatly benefit bothpet and owner.

Several attempts have been made in the art to provide play environmentsfor cats, including the following.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,059 discloses an apparatus “constructed from a boxwith open top having fabric stretched across the top and having holescut in the corners and with a flap in the middle.” The holes “are largeenough for a cat's paws and shoulders” and a cat can reach “inside tograb for a ball placed inside the box”.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,494 discloses an animal “toy having a first flexiblesheet having a first outer periphery; a second flexible sheet having asecond outer periphery; and connectors for joining at least threeportions of the first and second sheets” where “the connectors form[ ] acavity between the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet”and openings “sized to permit passage of a favorite object”.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,020,521 discloses a play apparatus having “a retainerfor an animal attractant, such as catnip” where the “retainer may beopened to allow for the introduction and removal of the attractant” andan “overlay partially cover[ing] the retainer to restrict direct accessby the animal to the attractant”.

WIPO Patent Application Publication 2015/106,763 discloses “a petactivity toy comprising a flexible sheet-like mat with an upper surface(S) and a first connector element on said upper surface (S), and one ormore pouches, . . . each of said one or more pouches having one or moresecond connector elements configured for being releasably connectableand reconnectable with said first connector elements”.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A reconfigurable pet enrichment system designed to help pets fulfilltheir natural behaviors is provided herein. The system is constructedfrom two separate pieces of pliable material. A base component isfashioned with a non-slip element. A top-covering component is attachedto the base component, by means of semi-permanent fasteners, to create avariety of forms such as ripples, nooks, and tunnels. The top componentcontains a plurality of differing sized openings. Openings appeal to thepet's predatory nature, as the openings provide a source of stimulationand interaction. The pet enrichment system may be formed of any desiredmaterial, so as to be safe for pet interaction. The system may also beconfigured with a plurality of members attached via semi-permanentfasteners, if desired.

A purpose of the pet enrichment system, which is subsequently describedin greater detail, is to provide pets with an environment, that not onlyhelps stimulate, entertain, exercise, and continually challenge pets,but also provides a defensible space for napping, resting, or sleeping.

One aspect of the invention includes a pet enrichment system constructedfrom two separate pieces of pliable material: (a) a Base Component, and(b) a Top-Covering Component. The top covering comprises a set ofopenings and a set of expansion mechanisms. The top covering componentis attached to the base to build a pet enrichment system. The two piecesare joined using semi-permanent fasteners. When top and base areattached together, a variety of different forms can be created. Uniqueand continuously changeable arrangements such as ripples, nooks, andtunnels encourage a plurality of activities such as sleeping, grooming,hunting, hiding, or scratching.

The top covering of the pet enrichment system may optionally furthercomprise a pliable material that is reshapable when attached to thebase. The top covering and the base may optionally both comprise apliable material. The pliable material may further optionally be carpet.The pliable material may further not break and not substantially deformwhen folded.

The base of the pet enrichment system may optionally further comprisenon-slip element or mechanism to prevent the system from sliding. Thenon-slip element or mechanism may optionally be rubber.

The top covering of the pet enrichment system may optionally furthercontain a plurality of differing-sized cutout openings. In an aspect,smaller openings allow for pets to peer out or stick their paw through,while larger openings are big enough for an average-sized domestic catto traverse. Openings and gaps appeal to a cat or other pet's predatorynature, as the opening and gaps provide a source of stimulation andinteraction, while also amusing pet owners. A subset of the plurality ofcutout openings may comprise radial cuts extending from the subset ofcut-out openings.

The pet enrichment system may optionally further comprise a scentedsubstance, applicable to a pet, applied to the pliable base and topcovering.

The pet enrichment system may optionally further comprise additional‘semi-attached’ members added using a semi-permanent fastener.

The pet enrichment system may optionally vary in sizes, colors, orshapes of top and bottom pieces.

The pet enrichment system may optionally further comprise more than onebase component or more than one top covering.

The top covering of the pet enrichment system may optionally further beused in conjunction with existing pet and human furniture. This createsrenewed interest in previously abandoned pet toys and furniture.

The pet enrichment system may optionally further comprise between 5 and20 semi-permanent fasteners and between 5 and 25 cut-out openings.

Another aspect of the invention includes a method of providing a petenrichment system, the method comprising: pressing a set ofsemi-permanent fasteners attached to a top covering of the petenrichment system onto a base of the pet enrichment system; shaping thetop covering into a configuration; and permitting an animal to interactwith the top covering and base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of this invention will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention in use.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention, set up to demonstrate an alternate configuration.

FIG. 3 represents a side perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention, demonstrating an alternate configuration in use,where an optional semi-permanent member is added.

FIG. 4 represents a side perspective view of another embodiment of thepet enrichment system of the present invention in use.

FIG. 5 is a close-up, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thepresent invention, demonstrating features of a top covering and a base.

FIG. 6 is an underside of the top covering according to embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 is a close-up of an expansion mechanism located at a perimeter ofan opening according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a close-up of a semi-permanent fastener, located on theunderside of the top covering, and attached to the base componentaccording to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a close-upof another semi-permanent fastener, located on the underside of the topcovering, and attachable to the base component according to embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view demonstrating a modular nature of the system ofthe present invention, showing an embodiment comprised of two basecomponents and three top coverings.

FIG. 10 shows a process flowchart for assembling a reconfigurable petenrichment system according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a process for compacting a reconfigurable pet enrichmentsystem according to embodiments of the present invention.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merelyrepresentations, not intended to portray specific parameters of theinvention. The drawings are intended to depict only typical embodimentsof the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting inscope. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Illustrative embodiments will now be described more fully herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrativeembodiments are shown. It will be appreciated that this disclosure maybe embodied in many different forms and should not be construed aslimited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to thoseskilled in the art.

Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”,“an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of theterms “a”, “an”, etc., do not denote a limitation of quantity, butrather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.Furthermore, the same elements in different figures may be assigned thesame element numbers. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising”, or “includes” and/or “including”, whenused in this specification, specify the presence of stated features,regions, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,regions, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As stated above, embodiments described herein provide a reconfigurablepet enrichment system designed to help pets fulfill their naturalbehaviors. The system is arranged to facilitate an environment, whichnot only helps stimulate, entertain and exercise a pet, but alsoprovides a defensible space for napping, resting, or sleeping. Thesystem is constructed from two separate pieces of pliable material. Thebase component is fashioned with a non-slip element. The top-coveringcomponent is attached to the base component, by means of semi-permanentfasteners, to create a variety of forms such as ripples, nooks andtunnels. The top component contains a plurality of differing sizedopenings. Openings appeal to the pet's predatory nature, as they providea source of stimulation and interaction. The pet enrichment system maybe formed of any desired material, as described, so as to be safe forpet interaction. The system may also be configured with a plurality ofmembers attached via semi-permanent fasteners, if desired.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 , an embodiment of thereconfigurable pet enrichment system 10 is illustrated. FIG. 1 shows aperspective side view, FIG. 2 shows an alternative side perspective viewutilizing a different configuration, FIG. 3 shows a third perspectiveside view showing an alternate configuration, and FIG. 4 shows a fourthperspective side view demonstrating another configuration.

As shown, the embodiment of the reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10of the present invention comprises a base 11 and a separate top covering12. In one embodiment, both the base 11 and top covering 12 arecomprised of a pliable textile material, such as a needle-punchpolyester carpet. However, both the base and top can comprise any othermaterial that can be easily folded without breaking or fracturing, suchas, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, vinyl,nylon, rubber, leather, cotton, wool, various fibrous materials, variousplasticized materials, cardboard, paper, carpets, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, a layer of non-slipmaterial 17 may be applied to one side of the base 11. The non-slipmaterial 17, in some embodiments, may be made using a polymerized rubbercompound. In one embodiment, the non-slip material 17 completely coversthe bottom side of the base. However, in other embodiments, the non-slipmaterial 17 can be applied partially in a multitude of ways, forexample, but not limited to: around the perimeter of base 11, in a gridformation, in corner patches, etc. Applications that prevent thereconfigurable pet enrichment system from sliding in some embodimentsinclude, but are not limited to: a set of non-slip coatings,semi-permanent adhesives, suction cups, hook tape, etc. In oneembodiment, the base 11 provides insulation for a pet 15. In anotherembodiment, the non-slip compound provides an R3 insulation rating. Thebase 11 can be folded and flattened without breaking.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, openings of various sizesmay be dispersed (e.g., randomly) on the top covering 12. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , openings 13 are cut into the topcovering 12. Openings 13 may vary from 1.5 to 7.0 inches, providing apet 15 the opportunity to peer, poke, or traverse the top covering 12.In some embodiments, top covering 12 may have between 5 and 25 openings13. In some embodiments, a number of openings 13 may be scaled with asize of the reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10. For example, whilea 4 foot by 3 foot reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10 may havebetween 5 and 25 openings 13, a 4 foot by 6 foot reconfigurable petenrichment system 10 may have between 10 and 50 openings 13. In stillfurther embodiments, an opening 13 may comprise a decorative shape(e.g., a paw print), having a set of holes to form the decorative shapeof the opening 13. In additional embodiments, openings 13 may be smallerthan 1.5 inches or larger than 7.0 inches. With respect to the openings13 described in the aforementioned embodiments and pictured in FIGS. 1,2, 3, and 4 , it is to be realized that the variations in opening size,frequency, and placement are illustrative examples only and not intendedto be limiting.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , the reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10 ofthe present invention may comprise expansion mechanism 14 for openings13. FIG. 7 shows openings 13 radially cut, allowing for additionalexpansion and wiggle room. The embodiment demonstrated in FIG. 7features four expansion geometries/mechanisms 14. However, the number ofexpansion geometries can be increased or decreased depending on therigidness of the top covering material.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, the top covering 12 isattachable to the base 11 through the use of semi-permanent fasteners16. In one embodiment, the semi-permanent fasteners 16 reside or areattached (e.g., glued, sewed, adhered) to the underside of the topcovering 12 and may be used to temporarily attach the top covering 12 tothe base 11. In some embodiments, top covering 12 may comprise between 5and 20 semi-permanent fasteners 16. In some embodiments, a number ofsemi-permanent fasteners 16 may be scaled with a size of thereconfigurable pet enrichment system 10. For example, while a 4 foot by3 foot reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10 may have between 5 and 20semi-permanent fasteners 16, a 4 foot by 6 foot reconfigurable petenrichment system 10 may have between 10 and 40 semi-permanent fasteners16. In another embodiment, semi-permanent fasteners 16 may reside on orbe attached to a top side of the top covering 12 or to a top side of thebase 11. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 demonstrates the use of hooktape as a means of fastening the top covering 12 to the base 11. Forexample, hook tape may be place on top covering 12 while base 11 may bemade of a textile material similar to the pile/loop material ofhook-and-pile/loop fasteners. When the hook tape of the top covering 12touches the textile material of base 11, a semi-permanent attachmentwill be formed. In other embodiments, semi-permanent fasteners 16 suchas, but not limited to, hook tape (e.g., Velcro. Velcro is a registeredtrademark of Velcro Ind.), semi-permanent adhesive, clips, buttons,snaps (e.g., snap fastener 16A of FIG. 8A), ties, zippers, clasps,magnets, etc., enable attachment of the top covering to any part of thebase.

Semi-permanent fasteners 16 can also be used to reinforce forms of thetop covering 12 of the reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10 bytemporarily attaching the semi-permanent fasteners 16 not only to thebase 11, but also to the top covering 12. As demonstrated in FIG. 2 , anopening arch in the top covering 12 can be reinforced by folding the topcovering 12 over itself, at the perimeter, and holding the fold in placeusing a semi-permanent fastener 16. For example, an edge of top covering12 can be rolled onto semi-permanent fastener 16 to reinforce a formsuch as an arch.

In one embodiment, hook tape, serving as a semi-permanent fastener 16,may be attached to the top covering 12 by employing a sublimationtechnique. Sublimation bonds two materials together using a specifictemperature and pressure. Hook tape may also be attached using variousother methodologies such as, but not limited to, adhesive bonding, glue,hot melting, stitching, riveting, pins, etc.

In one embodiment, semi-permanent fasteners 16 may be distributed evenly(e.g., in an even pattern or in a grid pattern) on the underside of thetop covering 12 to enable wide reach and coverage when attaching the topcovering 12 to the base 11 via semi-permanent fasteners 16. In otherembodiments, semi-permanent fasteners 16 may be distributed randomly ormay initially be unattached to top covering 12 so that a pet owner usermay place semi-permanent fasteners 16 where the pet owner user desires.In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , 12 semi-permanentfasteners 16 are shown attached to the underside of the top covering 12.However, the pet enrichment system 10 may employ any plurality ofsemi-permanent fasteners 16. As such, additional semi-permanentfasteners 16 may be added or removed in different embodiments.

The pet enrichment system 10 can be used by a variety of companionanimals/pets 15. Although a cat is shown interacting with the petenrichment system 10 in the embodiments shown in the figures, many othercompanion animals/pets 15 may use the pet enrichment system 10. Forexample, pet enrichment system 10 may be used by a dog, a rabbit, aferret, a hedgehog; a rodent pet such as a gerbil, a hamster, achinchilla, a fancy rat, a prairie dog, or a guinea pig; an avian pet,such as a canary, a parakeet, or a parrot; or a reptile pet, such as aturtle, a lizard, or a snake. Furthermore, in some embodiments, scentmay be applied to the base 11 and/or top covering 12. Accordingly,scents used may comply with the needs of different pets 15. For example,for a cat companion animal, a range of calming essential essences forcats such as, but not limited to, catnip, chamomile, rock rose, etc.,may be encapsulated, infused, or spread into the pliable material of thetop covering 12 and/or base 11. Particles of scent may then be releasedwhen touched, rubbed on, or scratched by a pet 15, for the enjoyment ofthe pet 15.

In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , a plurality ofsemi-attached, easily removable members 18 may be added to the systemusing semi-permanent fasteners 16. For example, an assortment of members18 such as, but not limited to, toys, scratching blocks, bells, rattles,herb-infused pouches, treat pockets, etc., may be attached to either ofthe base 11 or the top covering 12, at any position, at any time.

Although the description above primarily focuses on elements of apreferred embodiment, the above description should not be construed aslimiting the scope of the embodiments, but rather as merely providingillustrations of some of several embodiments. For example, while theembodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 present a quadrilateral shapefor both base 11 and top covering 12, the pet enrichment system 10 isnot limited to four-sided geometries. Other embodiments include a topcover 12 or base 11 having geometries such as, but not limited to,circular, elliptical, polygons, straight and/or curved, animal shapes(e.g., cat, mouse, bird), character shapes (e.g., a cartoon cat), customshapes, etc.

In another embodiment, the pet enrichment system 10 may also compriseany pattern (e.g., plaid, floral, whimsical) or color (e.g., neutralcolors such as tan, brown, beige, and white; as well as colors such asred, blue, and yellow). Variety will, for example, appeal to differingpet owners' tastes and home decors.

In yet other embodiments, the size of pet enrichment system 10,including both the base 11 and the top covering 12, may vary. In oneembodiment, pet enrichment system 10 may measure about 47 inches by 35inches or about 4 feet by 3 feet; however, pet enrichment system 10 maybe embodied as smaller versions to larger deluxe sized versions. Smallerversions will appeal to owners with smaller pets (e.g., rats, ferrets,prairie dogs, rabbits, etc.). Whereas, larger sized pet enrichmentsystems 10 will appeal to owners with larger or more than one pet (e.g.,multiple cats or a small dog, etc.).

Operation:

The top covering 12 can be temporarily attached to the base 11 via thesemi-permanent fasteners 16, which in some embodiments reside on anunderside of top covering 12. The reconfigurable pet enrichment system10 is characterized by the system's ability to be reshaped,reconfigured, and altered in form, thereby serving a plurality ofdiffering pet needs. The reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10addresses needs of pets 15, such as, but not limited to: stimulation,exercise, entertainment, grooming, a predatory play space, anenvironment allowing positive human interaction, and a secure, safespace in which to rest and recover.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , a process flowchart 100 for assembling thereconfigurable pet enrichment system 10 is shown. At 102, a pet ownerunfolds reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10 in preparation forconfiguration. At 104, the pet owner presses the semi-permanentfasteners 16 onto the base 11 in desired configurations and locations toform ripples, nooks, or tunnels (e.g., as seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4). At 106, the owner configures a shape of reconfigurable pet enrichmentsystem 10 as desired. Reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10 does nothave any specific configurations. The owner can create newconfigurations as often as he/she likes. When an owner creates newconfigurations, the interests of pets 15 are instinctively aroused,prompting interaction of pet 15 with reconfigurable pet enrichmentsystem 10 at 108. Pets 15 are continually intrigued by differentformations. Interest of pets 15 is captured through continued variation,thereby nurturing the need for stimulation, through variety and change.

FIG. 1 shows an example configuration of the reconfigurable petenrichment system 10. In this example, the reconfigurable pet enrichmentsystem 10 is configured with tunnels in which a companion animal/pet 15can hide, observe, and pounce to and from, allowing the pet 15 toexercise predatory instincts.

Moreover, pets greatly enjoy interaction with others, including ownersand other pets. The reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10 provides aplace where pets 15 can hide inside a ripple, a nook, or anowner-generated tunnel while the owner or another pet interacts with thepet 15 through the top covering 12 and openings 13 of varying sizes,thereby entertaining both pets and owner.

Once ripples and undulations (e.g., as highlighted by cross-sectionalplane 19 in FIG. 1 ) have been formed in the top covering 12 by theowner, pets 15 enjoy nestling in the resulting shapes. The top covering12 shaped ripples, can cradle the body of the pet 15, as the pet, forexample, stretches out or curls up. The reconfigurable pet enrichmentsystem 10 provides a place where pets 15 feel safe and can sleep, rest,and relax in their own defensible territory. The pet enrichment systemis a viable bed, offering the pet the option of sleeping under the topcovering component 12 or resting directly on top.

Many pets, cats in particular, instinctively mark their territory bystretching, rubbing and scratching, as shown by pet 15 in FIG. 2 . Manypet owners become distressed when cats and other pets scent-markfurniture, for example armchairs, rugs etc., by rubbing their scentglands from their head and paws against the furniture, followed by anail scratch. To redirect this behavior, the reconfigurable petenrichment system 10, with its varied forms/configurations, provides pet15 with amble surface area to scratch, groom on, dig at, and rub withfur.

For many owners, the pet enrichment system 10 also offers a safe playspace for younger pets (e.g., kittens, puppies) to act out their naturalinstincts through play. The changing ripples and shapes (created by anowner as he/she reconfigures the top covering 12) both challenge andstimulate healthy pet behaviors, ultimately preventing unwanted anddestructive behaviors.

Referring now back to FIG. 3 , an owner may attach additional members 18to the pet enrichment system 10, for example, but not limited to, toys,scratching blocks, herb-based pouches, fake toy mice, etc. In someembodiments, additional members 18 may be constructed withsemi-permanent fasteners (e.g., hook tape), and can be attached to thepet enrichment system 10, allowing a pet 15 to rip, tear, attack, hunt,and prod the additional members 18. This creates further intrigue from apet and entices the pet to play and interact with the pet enrichmentsystem 10.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , a plurality of reconfigurable pet enrichmentsystems 10 may be used together in some embodiments. For example, aconglomerate system may be formed from a plurality of base components 11and a plurality of top coverings 12, if desired. The semi-permanentfasteners 16 allow for modular expansion and attachment of more than onecomponent.

In another embodiment, the top covering 12 may be used in conjunctionwith existing pet furniture. This not only provides a new and excitingenvironment, but it also creates renewed interest in previouslyabandoned pet toys and furniture. The semi-permanent fasteners 16 may beused, for example, to attach the top covering 12 to and/or aroundfurniture, such as to a cat tree, allowing for new structures, such asdefensive play-spaces and sleeping areas.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , the reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10may also be folded and/or stored. As some embodiments of thereconfigurable pet enrichment system 10 are comprised of a pliabletextile material, such as a needle-punch polyester carpet, base 11 andtop covering 12 may be folded flat and placed in a storage container,such as a plastic bag or on a storage shelf. A process 110 for foldingand/or storing the reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10 is describedin FIG. 11 . Firstly, at 112, the top covering 12 is removed from base11. Then, at 114, base 11 is flipped over to expose the layer ofnon-slip material 17. Next, at 116 top covering 12, is placed on top ofthe base 11, with the semi-permanent fasteners 16 facing downward. Thisprevents the semi-permanent fasteners 16 from attaching to base 11during storage and being placed under stress during folding. Thereconfigurable pet enrichment system 10 may then be folded at 118, forexample three or four times, to form a compact unit for storage at 120.

When shipping the reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10 from amanufacturing source or when storing the pet enrichment system 10 in aretailer's facility, the pet enrichment system 10 can be folded into acompact geometry as described above. A compactly folded reconfigurablepet enrichment system 10 can also be moved easily to differentlocations. For example, with respect to transportation and storage ofthe reconfigurable pet enrichment system 10, the folded system willoccupy less space and result in lighter-weight shipping costs.

The reconfigurable pet enrichment system of the present invention hasbeen shown, described, and illustrated in substantial detail withreference to working embodiments. It will be understood by those skilledin this art that other and further changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention,which is defined by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pet enrichment system, comprising: a base; acontinuous single piece of material formed into a pliable continuouslandscape of a plurality of local extrema operating in athree-dimensional space, the material having a perimeter and an areawithin the perimeter, wherein at least a substantial portion of theperimeter is not attached to any other material, wherein at least one ofthe local extrema is a local minimum in between two local maximums,wherein the material comprises a plurality of cut out openings, andwherein the continuous landscape of the plurality of local extrema formsan internal cavity accessible through an opening of the plurality of cutout openings in the material, the internal cavity having space suitablefor containing a companion animal and the opening being of sufficientsize to permit the companion animal to pass through the opening into theinternal cavity; and a plurality of fasteners, wherein at least a subsetof the plurality of fasteners are located a further distance from theperimeter of the material than another subset of the plurality offasteners, configured to hold the material in the form of the pliablecontinuous landscape of the plurality of local extrema operating in thethree-dimensional space, wherein at least one of the fasteners isconfigured to be attached to the material and to the base at a localextremum between two opposite local extrema of the plurality of localextrema such that the three local extrema form a plane substantiallyorthogonal to the base at least at a place of said attachment, andwherein one or more fasteners of the plurality of fasteners areconfigured to attach the material at a local extremum to the base at afirst location on the base, to be detached from the first location, andto attach the material at a local extremum to the base at a secondlocation on the base, thereby enabling the material to be formed into asecond pliable continuous landscape of a plurality of local extremaoperating in a three-dimensional space.
 2. The pet enrichment system ofclaim 1, wherein the material is a carpet material.
 3. The petenrichment system of claim 1, wherein the material does not break andsubstantially does not deform when folded.
 4. The pet enrichment systemof claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of fasteners is afastener selected from the group consisting of: a semi-permanentadhesive fastener, a clip fastener, a button fastener, a tie fastener, azipper fastener, a clasp fastener, a snap fastener, a hook and loopfastener, and a magnet fastener.
 5. The pet enrichment system of claim1, wherein the plurality of fasteners comprises up to 20 fastener units.6. The pet enrichment system of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofopenings comprises between 3 and 25 openings.
 7. The pet enrichmentsystem of claim 1, wherein at least one of the openings has a first sizeand at least another one of the openings has a second size, the secondsize being different from the first size.
 8. The pet enrichment systemof claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of fasteners isattached to the material between two of the plurality of openings. 9.The pet enrichment system of claim 1, further comprising a play memberattached to the material.
 10. The pet enrichment system of claim 9,wherein the play member is removable.
 11. The pet enrichment system ofclaim 1, wherein the internal cavity is, but for the opening in thematerial, in substantial part surrounded by the material around allsides of the internal cavity other than a bottom side of the internalcavity.